Vibratory apparatus with improved motor actuated door mechanism for closing the discharge outlet

ABSTRACT

An open top tub or container is supported for vibration and is adapted to receive a workload of treating media and parts to be treated. The container is vibrated by variable power operated means and includes an end wall having an outlet for removing the workload from the container. The outlet is closed by a door member which is pivotally supported for movement between a closed position and a retracted open position in response to operation of a reversible electric motor. The motor drives an elongated screw which extends through a rotatable nut member connected to the door member. Preferably, the motor consists of a DC motor which has a permanently magnetized stator and may be continuously energized so that a continuously applied force holds the door member closed while the container and work load are vibrating. A water-tight seal is formed around the door by a resilient seal which contacts an outwardly projecting annular bead.

Isaaeson VIBRATORY APPARATUS WITH IMPROVED MOTOR ACTUATED DOOR MECHANISMFOR CLOSING THE DISCHARGE OUTLET Primary E.ranzinerHarold D. WhiteheadAttorney, Agent, or Firm.1acox & Meckstroth Mar. 18, 1975 57 ABSTRACT Anopen top tub or container is supported for vibration and is adapted toreceive a workload of treating media and parts to be treated. Thecontainer is vibrated by variable power operated means and includes anend wall having an outlet for removing the workload from the container.The outlet is closed by a door member which is pivotally supported formovement between a closed position and a retracted open position inresponse to operation of a reversible electric motor. The motor drivesan elongated screw which extends through a rotatable nut memberconnected to the door member. Preferably, the motor consists of a DCmotor which has a permanently magnetized stator and may be continuouslyenergized so that a continuously applied force holds the door memberclosed while the container and work load are vibrating. A water-tightseal is formed around the door by a resilient seal which contacts anoutwardly projecting annular bead.

11 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTEU NARI 81975 VIBRATORY APPARATUSWITH IMPROVED MOTOR ACTUATED DOOR MECHANISM FOR CLOSING THE DISCHARGEOUTLET BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In a vibratory machine or apparatussuch as disclosed in Isaacson et al US. Pat. No. 3,173,664, it is commonto provide a dischage outlet within one or both ends of the open top tubor container to provide for conveniently removing the workload of partsand media after the parts have been finished or treated. Usually, thedischarge outlet is closed during the vibratory treating process bymeans of a door member which is located by a hand actuated toggle latch,for example, as disclosed in Isaacson et al., US. Pat. No. 3,643,384which issued to the assignee of the present invention. Another means foropening and closing the door member is disclosed in Isaacson et al US.Pat. No. 3,694,968 which also issued to the assignee of the presentinvention. In this patent, the door opening and closing means consist ofa fluid actuated rotary motor which moves a linkage system connected tothe door.

Since the door member is usually supported by the adjacent end wall ofthe container, and the door member and its locking or actuatingmechanism vibrate with the container, it is highly desirable to minimizethe mass of the door and its actuating mechanism. It is also desirablefor the door actuating mechanism to be rugged and durable inconstruction so that it can withstand the vibration for a substantialperiod of time, and also for the mechanism to be electrically actuatedso that the operation of the door member between its closed and openpositions can be automatically controlled in a simple manner from anelectrical control box or panel. It has also been found important forthe door actuating mechanism to provide for holding the door member initsclosed position with a continuously applied force to prevent a leakfrom developing when the container and the door member are beingvibrated during treatment of the parts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to animproved au tomatically operated door system for closing the dischargeoutlet of a vibratory machine which is used for treating a supply ofparts. The door system provides all of the desirable features mentionedabove and, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, incorporates areversible D.C. motor and gear reducer unit which drives an elongatedscrew. The screw is threaded into a nut member which is supported by aset of arms secured to a circular door member. The arms also support thedoor member for pivotal movement between its closed and open positions.The D.C. motor incorporates a permanently magnetized stator and requires7 only a very small current so that the motor may be continuouslyenergized to apply a constant force against the door member in its openand closed positions. This constant force minimizes relative vibrationbetween the door member and the adjacent end wall of the container inthe open position and between the door member and the discharge openingin its closed position to assure a fluid-tight seal between the doormember and the container.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing description, the acc'ompanying drawings and the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an end elevational view of avibratory machine incorporating a door system constructed in accordancewith the present invention, and with portions DESCRIPTION OF THEPREFERRED EMBODIMENT The vibratory machine or apparatus shown in thedrawing generally includes a base frame 15 having parallel spacedvertical end walls 16 rigidly connected by cross members including across plate 17 and a channel member 18. The frame 15 is mounted onresilient shock absorbing feet 19 located at the corners of the frame.An open top trough-like tub or container 20 is positioned between theend walls 16 of the frame 15 and includes parallel spaced vertical endwalls 21 which are rigidly connected by an intermediate wall 22 having aU-shaped cross-sectional configuration. The container 20 has anoutwardly projecting peripheral flange 23, and the walls 21 and 22 arecovered with a durable polyurethane lining 24 having ribs defining acorrugated inner surface.

The lined container walls 21 and 22 define an open top chamber 25 havinga rectangular horizontal configuration and a U-shaped verticalconfiguration. The chamber 25 is adapted to receive a workload, forexample, a media of ceramic chips or other abrasive materials and asuspended batch of parts which are to be surface finished such as by adeburring, polishing or descaling operation. The container 20 ispositioned so that a longitudinal plane 27 extending through the centerof the chamber 25, is slightly inclined from a vertical plane.

The container 20 is supported on one side of the center plane 27 by apair of I-shaped spring beams 30 which connect the end walls 21 of thecontainer to the end walls 16 of the frame 15. On the opposite side ofthe center plane 27, the container 20 may be supported by a plurality oflongitudinally spaced coil compression springs 32 which extend betweenthe frame channel 18 and a longitudinally extending angle bracket 33secured to the adjacent side of the intermediatewall 22 of thecontainer. The lower end of each coil spring 32 seats on a fitting 34supported by the upper end of a screw 36 which can be adjusted to varythe upward force exerted by the spring on the container 20.

The spring beams 30 establish an effective pivot axis 40 for thecontainer 20 and cooperate with the springs 32 to provide the container20 with a predetermined resonant frequency of oscillation. This resonantfrequency is in the neighborhood of and generally above 3,600 cycles persecond when the apparatus is to be operated from 60 cycle power supply.After the load is placed within the container 20, the coil springs 32,when used, are adjusted so that the resonant frequency of the systemincluding the container, load, spring beams and coil springs, issubstantially 3,600 cycles per second.

The container 20 is preferably oscillated by power operated meansincluding a pair of electromagnets 45 arranged in opposing relation onopposite sides of a bar-like armature 46 that is rigidly connected tothe tub. The ends of the armature are rigidly connected to parallelspaced plates 48 which are secured to the intermediate wall 22 of thecontainer 20. Each magnet 45 is mounted on a bracket 50 which isslidably supported by the cross plate 17 and is laterally adjustable bya set of screws (not shown). Each magnet 45 is adjusted after thecontainer is loaded to a predetermined value to form a predetermineduniform gap 52 between the armature 46 and each of the electromagnets 45according to the desired amplitude of oscillation. When the actual loadis placed within the container 20 and it is greater than thepredetermined value, the armature 46 will move closer to the magnet 45on the left (FIG. 1). The coil springs 45 are then adjusted to returnthe armature to a position substantially centered between the magnets.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, one of the end walls 21 of the container 20is provided with a circular dis charge outlet 60 which is defined by afrusto-conical surface 61 ofa rigid metal ring 62 having an outwardlyprojecting flange portion 63 rigidly secured to the end wall 21. Theflange portion 63 of the ring 62 includes an axially or outwardlyprojecting annular rib or bead 64. In accordance with the presentinvention, the discharge of media and treated parts through the outlet60 is controlled by a closure mechanism or door system 70 which includesa circular door member 72 incorporating a flat circular metal plate 73.

The plate 73 carries a plug member 74 which is cast of urethane and hasa frusto-conical outer surface adapted to extend adjacent the surface 61when the door member 72 is in its closed position (FIG. 3). The plugmember 74 is provided with a series of small drainage holes 76 so thatliquid may be removed from the chamber 25 through a conduit 77projecting outwardly from the door plate 73. The plug member 74 includesan outwardly projecting flange portion 78 (FIG. which is also secured tothe plate 73 and engages the annular bead 64 when the door member 72 isclosed. Instead of the bead 64 being formed as a part of flange 63 itmay be made as a part of the plate 73.

A pair of spaced lugs 79 (FIGS. 2 and 3) project outwardly from themetal door plate 73 and are connected by a set of cross pins 81 to apair of parallel spaced L- shaped arm members 82. The arm members 82 arepivotally supported by a cross pin 84 which extends through parallelspaced members or plates 86 rigidly connected by a base plate 88. Theplates 86 and 88 cooperate to form a mounting bracket 90 which isrigidly secured by a set of screws 91 to a plate 92 mounted on theadjacent end wall 21 of the container 20.

The parallel spaced bracket plates 86 also support a motor-gear reducerunit 95 which projects into a tubular housing 96 positioned between theplates 86. The housing 96 includes a pair of diametrically opposedcylindrical trunions 98 which project outwardly into correspondingtubular bushings 99 retained within corresponding holes in the bracketplates 86. The trunions 98 provide for pivotal movement of themotor-gear reducing unit on an axis extending parallel to the adjacentend wall 21 of the container 20.

Preferably, 'the unit 95 includes a direct current motor 102 which has apermanently magnetized stator and a relatively high shaft speed, forexample, 4,000 r.p.m. The output shaft of the motor 102 drives a gearreducer 104 which provides a reduction of approximately 30 to l. Theoutput shaft of the gear reducer is splined and drives a tubular femalesplined coupling 106 having an outwardly projecting flange 107 which hasan inner face engaging an anti-friction thrust bearing 108 confinedwithin the housing 96. The coupling 106 connects the output shaft of thegear reducer 104 to oneend portion of an elongated screw 110. Thus whenthe motor 102 is energized, the coupling 106 and screw 110 are driven ata speed of approximately 133 r.p.m.

The outer end portion of the screw 110 is threaded into a hole extendingradially through a cylindrical nut member 114 which is rotatablysupported by a set of bushings 116 confined within corresponding holesin the arm plates 82. Thus when the electric motor 102 is actuated inone direction, it is effective to move the door member 72 towards itsclosed position (FIG. 3) wherein the resilient flange portion 78 of theplug member 74 firmly engages the annular bead 64 and forms a positivefluid-tight seal between the door member 72 and the adjacent end wall 21of the container 20. When the motor 102 is operated in the opposite orreverse direction, the door member 72 is moved or pivoted to its openposition (FIG. 4) where the metal plate 74 firmly engages the stopsurfaces 118 formed on the outer end portions of the bracket plates 86.In its open position, the door member 72 provides for the discharge ofthe workload of treating media and treated parts from the tub chamber25. The treated parts are then separated from the treating media, forexample, by a vibratory screen, and the media is returned to the chamber25 for receiving the next batch of parts to be treated.

From the drawing and the above description, itis apparent that avibratory machine or apparatus incorporating a closure mechanism or doorsystem constructed in accordance with the invention, provides desirablefeatures and advantages. One important feature is provided by therelative low mass of the motor-gear reducer unit 95 and the supportbracket 90. Since these components are supported directly by thevibratory tub or container 20 along with the door member 72, their lowmass reduces the electrical power required by the electromagnets 45 forvibrating or oscillating the assembly of the container 20 and the doorsystem 70 and also maintains a minimum of relative vibration between thedoor member and its supporting structure.

Another important feature is provided by the small electrical powerrequired to operate the reversible D.C. motor 102 for opening andclosing the door member 72. That is, because the small electrical powerrequired by the motor 102, the motor may be continuously energized in astalled condition so that a continuing force is exerted on the doormember 72 to hold the door member in its closed position while thecontainer 20 is being vibrated. In addition, when the door member ismoved to its open position (FIG. 4), the motor 102 may remain energizedand in a stalled condition so that the door member 72 is held againstthe stop surfaces 118 with a continuously applied force and therebyavoid vibration of the door member 72 relative to the support bracket 90and the container 20. The direct electrical actuation of the reversiblemotor 102 also provides for conveniently automating the operation of theclosure mechanism 70 so that it may be actuated from a remote controlbox or panel which also controls the batch supply of parts and thereturn of media to the container 20. As a result, a completely automatedcycle may be provided. It is also within the scope of the invention toposition a small control switch on the door member 72 for sensing thepressure exerted by the door plate 73 and the resilient flange 78against the flange 63 of the ring 62 when the door member is closed.When the pressure exceeded a predetermined value, the switch woulddeenergize the motor 102.

While the form of vibratory apparatus herein described constitutes apreferred embodiment of the in vention, it is to be understood that theinvention is not limited to this precise form of apparatus, and thatchanges may be made therein without departing from the scope and spiritof the invention as defined in the appended claims.

The invention having thus been described, the following is claimed:

1. In vibratory apparatus including a frame, a container defining achamber adapted to receive a load of media and parts to be vibrated,means mounted on said frame and supporting said container for vibration,power operated means for vibrating said container with sufficient forceto effect generally orbital movement of the load within said chamber,and said container having a wall defining an outlet to provide for thedischarge of treated parts from said chamber, an improved door systemfor said outlet, comprising a door member, means supporting said doormember for movement between a closed position forming a closure for saidoutlet and an open position spaced from said outlet, a reversibleelectric motor drive unit having a rotary output shaft, means for movingsaid door member between said open and closed positions in response torotation of said shaft and for holding said door member in said closedposition in response to energization of said motor in a stalledcondition.

2. Vibratory apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said motor driveunit comprises a gear reducer for driving said output shaft at a speedsubstantially lower than the speed of said motor, a screw member and anut member connected to said door member, said screw member is connectedto said shaft for rotation thereby, and said door member includes meansfor supporting said nut member.

3. Vibratory apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said motor driveunit comprises a direct current motor and a gear reducer mounted on saidmotor for driving said output shaft to miminize the mass of said motordrive unit.

4. Vibratory apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said motor driveunit is adapted to be continuously energized for continuously holdingsaid door member towards said closed position to effect a positivefluid-tight seal between said door member and said wall of saidcontainer during vibration of said container.

5. Vibratory apparatus as defined in claim 1 including a bracket membermounted on said wall of said container and supporting saiddoor memberfor pivotal movement between said open and closed positions, and meanson said bracket member for supporting said motor drive unit for pivotalmovement during movement of said door member between said open andclosed positions.

6. Vibratory apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said bracket memberincludes means forming a stop surface for said door member in said openposition, and said electric motor drive unit is effective to hold saiddoor member firmly against said stop surface while said container isvibrating.

7. Vibratory apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said bracket membercomprises a set of generally parallel spaced support members, said motorunit is positioned generally between said support members, and includingan arm member secured to said door member and extending between saidsupport members, and means on said support members for pivotallysupporting said arm member.

8. Vibratory apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said meanssupporting said door member comprise a set of generally parallel spacedarm members secured to said door member, means mounted on said containerand pivotally supporting said arm members, and said arm members supportsaid nut member for rotation during movement of said door member betweensaid open and closed positions.

9. Vibratory apparatus as defined in claim 1 including a resilientsealing member positioned between said door member and said wall of saidcontainer to form a fluid-tight seal therebetween, and means forming anoutwardly projecting annular bead to produce concentrated sealing forceagainst said sealing member when said door member is in said closedposition.

10. In vibratory apparatus including a frame, a container defining achamber adapted to receive a load of media and parts to be vibrated,means mounted on said frame and supporting said container for vibration,power operated means for vibrating said container with sufficient forceto effect generally orbital movement of the load within said chamber,and said container having a wall defining an outlet to provide for thedischarge of treated parts from said chamber, an improved door systemfor said outlet, comprising a door member, bracket means supporting saiddoor member for pivotal movement between a closed position forming aclosure for said outlet and an open position spaced from said outlet, areversible electric motor and gear reducer unit supported by saidbracket means and having a rotary output shaft, an elongated screwmember connected to said shaft for rotation therewith, a nut memberconnected to said door member for movement therewith and recieving saidscrew member, said screw member being rotated within said nut member inresponse to energizing said motor to effect movement of said door memberbetween said open and closed positions.

11. Vibratory apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein said motorcomprises a direct current motor having a permanently magnetized stator,and said motor is adapted to be continuously energized for continuouslyholding said door member towards said closed position to effect apositive fluid-tight seal between said door member and said wall of saidcontainer during vibration of said container.

1. In vibratory apparatus including a frame, a container defining achamber adapted to receive a load of media and parts to be vibrated,means mounted on said frame and supporting said container for vibration,power operated means for vibrating said container with sufficient forceto effect generally orbital movement of the load within said chamber,and said container having a wall defining an outlet to provide for thedischarge of treated parts from said chamber, an improved door systemfor said outlet, comprising a door member, means supporting said doormember for movement between a closed position forming a closure for saidoutlet and an open position spaced from said outlet, a reversibleelectric motor drive unit having a rotary output shaft, means for movingsaid door member between said open and closed positions in response torotation of said shaft and for holding said door member in said closedposition in response to energization of said motor in a stalledcondition.
 2. Vibratory apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein saidmotor drive unit comprises a gear reducer for driving said output shaftat a speed substantially lower than the speed of said motor, a screwmember and a nut member connected to said door member, said screw memberis connected to said shaft for rotation thereby, and said door memberincludes means for supporting said nut member.
 3. Vibratory apparatus asdefined in claim 1 wherein said motor drive unit comprises a directcurrent motor and a gear reducer mounted on said motor for driving saidoutput shaft to miminize the mass of said motor drive unit.
 4. Vibratoryapparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said motor drive unit is adaptedto be continuously energized for continuously holding said door membertowards said closed position to effect a positive fluid-tight sealbetween said door member and said wall of said container duringvibration of said container.
 5. Vibratory apparatus as defined in claim1 including a bracket member mounted on said wall of said container andsupporting said door member for pivotal movement between said open andclosed positions, and means on said bracket member for supporting saidmotor drive unit for pivotal movement during movement of said doormember between said open and closed positions.
 6. Vibratory apparatus asdefined in claim 5 wherein said bracket member includes means forming astop surface for said door member in said open position, and saidelectric motor drive unit is effective to hold said door member firmlyagainst said stop surface while said container is vibrating. 7.Vibratory apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said bracket membercomprises a set of generally parallel spaced support members, said motorunit is positioned generally between said support members, and includingan arm member secured to said door member and extending between saidsupport members, and means on said support members for pivotallysupporting said arm member.
 8. Vibratory apparatus as defined in claim 2wherein said means supporting said door member comprise a set ofgenerally parallel spaced arm members secured to said door member, meansmounted on said container and pivotally supporting said arm members, andsaid arm members support said nut member for rotation during movement ofsaid door member between said open and closed positions.
 9. Vibratoryapparatus as defined in claim 1 including a resilient sealing memberpositioned between said door member and said wall of said container toform a fluid-tight seal therebetween, and means forming an outwardlyprojecting annular bead to produce concentrated sealing force againstsaid sealing member when said door member is in said closed position.10. In vibratory apparatus including a frame, a container defining achamber adapted to receive a load of media and parts to be vibrated,means mounted on said frame and supporting said container for vibration,power operated meAns for vibrating said container with sufficient forceto effect generally orbital movement of the load within said chamber,and said container having a wall defining an outlet to provide for thedischarge of treated parts from said chamber, an improved door systemfor said outlet, comprising a door member, bracket means supporting saiddoor member for pivotal movement between a closed position forming aclosure for said outlet and an open position spaced from said outlet, areversible electric motor and gear reducer unit supported by saidbracket means and having a rotary output shaft, an elongated screwmember connected to said shaft for rotation therewith, a nut memberconnected to said door member for movement therewith and recieving saidscrew member, said screw member being rotated within said nut member inresponse to energizing said motor to effect movement of said door memberbetween said open and closed positions.
 11. Vibratory apparatus asdefined in claim 10 wherein said motor comprises a direct current motorhaving a permanently magnetized stator, and said motor is adapted to becontinuously energized for continuously holding said door member towardssaid closed position to effect a positive fluid-tight seal between saiddoor member and said wall of said container during vibration of saidcontainer.